Ingres as open source?

Thinking about an open-source database? (Now that SQL Express is available, I probably wouldn’t even consider an open-source database anymore. But that’s a separate discussion.) If so, I encourage you to take a look at what Computer Associates is doing in the open-source database space with Ingres.

Ingres is a powerful database platform that has been in use at customer sites for decades. It contains all the features you’d expect from a true relational database platform. In fact, Ingres and the popular open-source database, PostgreSQL, share a common heritage. And because Ingres is owned by CA, despite being open-source, there’s no question about where you can get support services for the product or how to get high-quality consulting services for the platform. (Two key problems with open-source databases is figuring out where to buy service and support from.)

So, when it comes to a free, strong, and disposable desktop database—SQL Express is absolutely the way to go. But if you’re unwilling or unable to pony up for a commercial database, but need enterprise database features and scalability, I’d go with Ingres.

Discuss this Article 7

Anonymous User (not verified)

on Mar 15, 2005

Bigger companies support PostgreSQL than Ingres (or Oracle for that matter).
Note that Fujitsu is a much larger international company than Computer Associates or Oracle; and they provide excellent suport for PostgreSQL.
http://fastware.com.au/postgresql.html

I don't think that it comes down to a decision between PostgreSQL or Ingres, but rather what's the right technology for your needs, and is there a company, or group of individuals that can provide the support you desire. If you compare feature & function, these two database technologies are very similar, but differ greatly in the fundamental DBMS architecture. The PostgreSQL architecture is one that has proven not to scale well and not to perform well, which is why Ingres abandoned that architecture back in the 80s and rewrote the product to avoid those issues.
I personally prefer Ingres, and have used it in many of my enterprise deployments, but I'll keep my personal preferences out of this.

Look guys, if you want the very best FREE relational database go for Ingres.
We use Postgres and Ingres where I work and Ingres is by far the most scalable and stable platform.
Whatever features/benefits Postgres has over Ingres will be gone within 18 months and Ingres will steam ahead. More people use Ingres, more people support Ingres, and there is plenty of help out there if you know where to look.
I personally know a couple of top Postgres contributors who're actively involved in putting some of their best Postgres features in Ingres; a platform they feel is defintately on the up.

Ingres is a technically solid product, but the reasoning laid out in this article is just plain wrong. Ingres corporate control is nothing but a downside... yes you know where to turn for support, but that's your only option. A much better idea is to go with PostgreSQL where you can get support from companies like SRA and Pervasive, big companies with track records that can match CA's, but wont leave you standing with single providor lockin.

I have used both Ingres and PostgreSQL. I like them both, but for different reasons.
I am curious regarding the previous post. I've tested both products using a homegrown, write intensive benchmark. The results were that PostgreSQL significantly outperformed Ingres. The benchmark reliably predicts a RDBMS' behaviour for a given (in-house) application Your mileage may vary. My point is not to slam Ingres (in certain respects, it does have some key advantages over PostgreSQL.) Rather it is to take issue with the statement that PostgreSQL's architecture prevents it from scaling. My performance numbers disagree with that statement.
Blankent statements about general performance should be avoided, since they tend to mislead rather then enlighten.

Well I hope its worth while to "toe the party line".
Giving the impression to support an Open Source solution while actually promoting closed propriaitary software.
For the record, Ingres started as an academic project launched by the same person that latter made Illustra and Postgres.
Postgres is way ahead of Ingres, and for those that want supported by the PostgresSQL company.
Ingres although it was a fine product for its time now is only a distraction.
MySQL will provide the services most people want, PostGress will address high end needs (high end in terms of complexity, for performance its a debate)
In any case SQL Express is the way to go to bankrupcy

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